Laboratory Technician- Department of Biological Sciences

Laboratory Technician- Department of Biological Sciences

Salary:              $22.00 per hour based on 35 hour work week
Benefits:           The University offers generous benefits including paid time off (holidays, holy days and vacation), employer matching contributions to the retirement plan, and tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents. Learn more and explore benefits at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location:                   Biology Sciences
Position Status:         Full-time                                             
Hours:                       Generally Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. but may vary based on operational need; flexibility is a plus.
Position Number:      036116/30-509               
FLSA Status:             Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a laboratory technician position for the Department of Biological Sciences (DBS). The primary role of this position is to support the instruction of multiple sections of undergraduate laboratory courses in microbiology and general biology.  These courses service a range of majors across campus including those in the schools of Nursing and Health Sciences. Position duties for laboratory course support are varied and include those listed under I and II below.

Additional duties associated with this position may include assistance in the maintenance of common floor and equipment areas as directed by the DBS Senior Laboratory Technician and Department Chair.

The position will report to the Department Chair.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Laboratories Set-Up

Preparing reagents and materials for microbiology and general biology laboratories (i.e., aliquoting, making reagents, racking and sterilizing micropipette tips, etc.).

Media prep, sterilizing media and supplements.

Microbial strain maintenance.

Setting up and tearing down laboratories (i.e., autoclaving waste, cleaning benches/glassware, etc.).

Ordering items for microbiology laboratories.

Attending weekly meetings with TAs and/or professors to coordinate teaching lab exercises.

Testing and troubleshooting new protocols for microbiology

Maintaining laboratory equipment.

Maintaining Mellon Hall laboratory rooms

Updating chemical inventory and equipment inventory for rooms listed above.

Dispose of toxic chemicals and biological waste in compliance with University policy and procedures.

Animal and plant care and maintenance.

Interact with Facilities Management, Housekeeping, Equipment

Report any laboratory room problems (i.e., lights out, heating/cooling complaints, leaks, door/lock problems, fume hood malfunctions etc.).

Follow-up on subsequent repairs for laboratory room problems.

Act as the contact person for cleaning and maintenance crew.

Facilitate departmental package delivery.

Other Duties

Completes other duties as assigned by the laboratory manager and department chair.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology or closely related field from an accredited educational institution along with prior laboratory experience.

Preferred qualifications:
Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Experience with a variety of microbiology and molecular techniques, a broad knowledge of biology, or any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions is a plus.

Ability to be responsible and detail oriented;

Ability to work with others in a team environment;

Excellent oral and written communication skills;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the department and University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University.  The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.  Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit.  Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.